Roosevelt’s first Greek Week brings fraternities, sororities together for awareness

Greek life may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Roosevelt University, but that doesn’t stop the group of Greek organizations on campus from putting time and effort into their organizations.
In an attempt to bolster awareness and support for Greek life on campus, several organizations are teaming up for the university’s first ever Greek Week, to take place April 21-24. The goal of the week of events is to bring together the nine Greek organizations currently on campus.

The university has a highly diverse population of fraternities and sororities. From Phi Iota Alpha, a Latino fraternity, to Alpha Gamma Delta, a National Panhellenic sorority, to co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega and more, it can be said that the university does not have the average Greek system.
At most schools, Greek organizations tend to fall under the same governing bodies, like Panhellenic or Interfraternity councils. But at Roosevelt, with so many different organizations and goals, Greek organizers say it’s hard to get all of the groups on the same page. That’s where Greek Week comes in.
“I believe that Greek Week is important because we are all involved in some of the same activities, but we don’t get to interact with each other,” said junior Allie Jones, one of the Greek Week planners and the philanthropy coordinator for Alpha Gamma Delta. “It’s a great way for all of us to get together and meet new people.”
The week will begin with a Greek Social for the members of the various organizations, including a quiz bowl and a float competition. Traditional Greek Weeks are centered around a series of contests, but Greek organizers at Roosevelt said they want it to foster a sense of inclusiveness.
The second event will take place on Tuesday afternoon and will be open to all students, not just those who already belong to a Greek organization. On this day, the members and any guests will meet up to serve the community by collecting garbage from local Grant Park.
The third and final event, a semi-formal dance/social, will take place Thursday night and will be open to all students to meet up and socialize, as well as learn about recruitment for the various organizations.
The planners of these three events, all leaders within their organizations, said they hope a publicized Greek Week will raise awareness that Greek Life is alive and well at the university.
“I have met several people that had no idea any [fraternities or sororities] even exist [on campus],” Jones said. “I think educating the RU population on what groups they can join would increase participation.”
Members of the Greek organizations involved said they hope this visibility will help to dispel any preconceived notions students may have about Greek Life.
“[Greek Life] is not about going out and partying,” sophomore Jesica Leon said. Leon is the sisterhood and community service chair for the Gamma Phi Omega Iota Chapter Cygnets. “We have goals and requirements. Our four goals are cultural awareness, sisterhood, academic excellence and community service. The ladies have to participate in all, as well as fully represent them.”
Arielle Antolin, SPEED member and vice president of Campus Relations for Alpha Gamma Delta, said she hopes the events will attract new people to the Greek family at the university.
“In high school, I honestly never thought I would join a sorority,” Antolin said. “But when I started at Roosevelt, I [realized] that being a part of a sorority or fraternity would be a great and unique opportunity to get involved on campus.”